Dual diagnosis is a term used when someone is diagnosed with both substance abuse and mental illness. These disorders are strongly linked, and it’s not always clear which one starts first. People with depression or PTSD may use drugs and alcohol to self-medicate, putting them at risk for addiction. Using drugs and alcohol worsens the symptoms of addiction.

When someone is dealing with both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder, they can benefit from dual diagnosis treatment. 

1. Dual diagnosis is common.

Some studies show that as many as half of people with drug or alcohol addiction also suffer from a co-occurring condition, like bipolar depression, generalized anxiety disorder or obsessive compulsive disorder. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 8 million people in the U.S. experience substance abuse and mental illness. Dual diagnosis is just as common in men as in women.

2. It’s more difficult to treat dual diagnosis.

Dual diagnosis is harder to treat for a few reasons. First, there are two conditions to deal with instead of one. Second, it’s not always clear where the symptoms are coming from. For example, if you are suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder, there is no way to initially know if the compulsion is from drugs and alcohol or mental illness. One of the goals of dual diagnosis rehab in California is to find the root cause of the symptoms and treat it.

3. Integrated treatment is most effective.

Treating substance abuse and mental illness simultaneously is most effective. Awakenings Treatment Center allows clients to focus on both disorders in a positive, sober environment. Each treatment plan is customized to their needs, helping them better understand their underlying mental illness and develop healthy coping skills.

4. Dual diagnosis treatment may take longer to complete.

Recovering from drug and alcohol abuse is a lifelong journey, and mental illness complicates things further. It takes time to diagnose and treat a mental disorder, so you must allow yourself time to recover from both conditions. Be patient. Each day in recovery is a step in the right direction.

5. Not all treatment centers are equipped to handle co-occurring disorders.

If you are struggling with dual diagnosis, it’s important that you choose a treatment facility that is capable of handling dual diagnosis. Many are not, because it’s such a complicated issue. However, we know it’s best to treat both conditions simultaneously, so make it a priority to find a treatment center that offers dual diagnosis treatment.

Awakenings Treatment Center specializes in dual diagnosis care. We have many programs available, and you are welcome to take advantage of one or several based on your needs. Not only do we address the substance abuse and mental illness, but also your spiritual well-being. Contact us today to learn more about our outpatient mental health facilities.